Wanting to shape trees- any advice?

Question

I really like working with trees, and I like to grow them. There is nobody around here that I know of that sells shaped trees. I could really use some extra money, and I thought it would be really cool to be able to do that. Can anyone help me with the basics, like how to shape them and what trees work best? Thanks.

Answer 1

stop trying to be god.

Answer 2

Don't know if you are shaping coniferous trees or deciduous trees. It does matter a bit.  I have pruned and shaped hundred of trees, but I'm not a botanist. That said, here are a few standards I go by. First, I trim trees so I can walk under the lowest branch. This seems to give the tree a normal appearance and serves a practical purpose as well. Then I always prune any branches that are growing downward. Third I prune branches that are growing across the tree instead of to the side they are on. Finally, most trees love to be pruned and shaped. It's hard to remove too much material. Shaping is an individual, almost artistic thing. Just shape till it looks good to you. The tree will appreciate it as well.

Answer 3

u can use shears in shaping trees because it will be nice and preserve d environment 4rm globalwarming maybe u shuld check www.treeshapers.com

Answer 4

These are some pretty good references for tree trimming and shaping.  It would be great if you could find a course in trimming and shaping or maybe someone that you could apprenticeship with.  Check with your County Extension Office and see if they can help you out on this.

http://www.treeshapers.com/resources.htm...

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/...

http://www.demesne.info/Garden-Help/Prun...